Those were the 2 options I was presented with yesterday, at the Pulmonary consult for my granddaughter, AuBree. Please pray that the surgery goes well, and that it WORKS! She only weighs 17.8 lbs, at 2 1/2 years old. We need all the prayers we can get! Thanks to everyone, in advance!

Clearly a ventilator won't address the underlying cause. If VEPTR will assist in her breathing, then that is great news! Also check into CPAP and BPAP breathing support options which work very well if the patient doesn't need the full amount of assistance a ventilator provides. They were a lifesaver with our child, and are a terrific "middle ground".